DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) remains a global health challenge, necessitating exploration into adjunctive therapeutic approaches. The intricate link between nutritional status and PTB progression underscores the potential role of zinc and vitamin A in modulating host responses.
Objective: The study's main goal was to find out whether zinc and vitamin A supplements improve the antituberculosis treatment's effectiveness in terms of clinical outcome and dietary intake.
Methodology: The two-year trial at the Rehman Medical and Dental College, authorized by the Committee on Health Research Ethics, involved 130 patients divided into micronutrient and placebo groups from January 2020 to December 2022. The micronutrient group received zinc and vitamin A supplements alongside antituberculosis medications, while the placebo group only received antituberculosis medications. Capsule-shaped supplements containing 10mg retinol equivalents, vitamin A, and 20 mg zinc were administered. Statistical analyses, employing student t-tests and multivariate analysis, assessed therapy effects at baseline, 2 and 6 months, with a significance threshold of P ≤ 0.05.
Results: In our study, out of 130 patients 40 participants were eliminated because they had missed medication or had negative effects. After six months of antituberculosis therapy, the micronutrient group exhibited superior outcomes, including higher Karnofsky scores (91.0 ± 0.7), greater decrease in lesion region (91.94 ± 12.31) after two months, and increased plasma retinol concentrations (1.13 ± 0.05). Two cases of drug resistance were observed in the placebo group. Both groups experienced weight gain, decreased inflammatory markers, and improved anthropometric measurements, although vitamin supplementation did not notably impact these improvements.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the incorporation of vitamin A and zinc supplementation alongside PTB therapy shows promise in enhancing the effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment and expediting the breakdown of sputum smears. This suggests a potential avenue for improving outcomes in TB patients. However, further research is necessary to establish the precise mechanisms and optimal dosage regimens for these supplements in the context of TB management, ensuring their safe and effective integration into clinical practice.